An Examination of Risk Factors and Quality of Life of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Foot Syndrome

Aim: This study examined risk factors and quality of life (QoL) among patients with Diabetes Mellitus Foot Syndrome (DMFS).

Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional design. A total of 250 individuals, both male and female, diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus were enrolled in the study. The participants were recruited from outpatient clinics of the Federal Medical Centre Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. Eligible participants were individuals aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus, who were willing to participate and capable of providing informed consent. A structured questionnaire was utilized to collect the data. Data analyses were performed using a statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 25.

Results: The participants' ages ranged from less than 20 to over 60, with the majority aged between 50 and 59 years (36.4%). About 63.2% of participants reported a DMFS diagnosis, with 53.8% suffering for between 1-5 years. Every participant diagnosed with DMFS was on medication for the condition, and 38.6% had undergone surgical treatment. The frequency of blood sugar level checks, smoking, alcohol consumption, the presence of other chronic diseases, and use of special footwear for diabetes patients were among the significant risk factors impacting QoL. Regarding QoL, the majority of the participants rated their overall health status as fair (39.2%), with 44.8% always feeling pain or discomfort in their feet, and 58.8% had to take time off work or school due to DMFS. Among those suffering from DMFS, satisfaction with current treatment was high, with 55.6% either very satisfied or satisfied. However, 88.8% reported that their condition negatively impacted their daily activities, and over half (52.4%) reported experiencing stigma or discrimination due to their diabetes. A chi-square test demonstrated that risk factors significantly associated with poorer QoL included infrequent blood sugar checks, smoking, alcohol consumption, presence of other chronic diseases, and lack of special diabetic footwear.

Conclusion: The study provides valuable insights into the impact of DMFS on patients' QoL and underscores the significance of effective risk factor management. The results can guide healthcare professionals and policy-makers in designing targeted interventions and policies to improve QoL for DMFS patients.